October 2016

With the beginning of our second year in the Pacific Northwest, we thought it best to set goals for ourselves to assist us in making the most of our experience here. So we created a monthly to-do list which includes visiting at least one new restaurant, completing a new hike, watching a new movie, purchasing a book from Powell's Books, exploring a new city, and attending a meetup each month. We almost met all our goals for October, but we hope to make up for it in November. All in all, October 2016 was a good month and a great start to our second here. Cheers!

Meetup Justin: none

Meetup Samantha: Drinks and food at Margarita Factory in Vancouver, WA

Movie/Show: The Queen of Katwe

New Restaurant: Trillium Cafe in Hood River, OR, Bar Mingo in Portland, OR, and Yvonne's in Oregon, City

Powell’s Books: none

Hike: Beacon Rock State Park, Wallace Falls State Park

New Place to Explore: Hood River, OR, Beacon Rock State Park, Wallace Falls State Park

Getting lost somewhere near Mt. Hood

Off on an adventure

Taking a selfie break at Wallace Falls State Park

Stairway to the waterfall

Such pretty sights

Samantha at the smallest church in Washington

One year In

One year ago, we decided to take a chance on an adventure by moving from Springfield, MO to Eugene, OR. When we left, we did not know what to expect or how we would adjust. But today, we can safely say that we have enjoyed the journey so far.

When we left a year ago, we had a few goals in mind. First, we agreed that we would eventually move to or near a bigger city. Second, we agreed that we would find jobs that we love doing. Lastly, we agreed that we would explore our new home as often as possible. Luckily, I can say that we have met those goals. We live a stone's throw away from Portland, OR, one of the coolest cities in the country. I can also say that I have continued to work as a child and family therapist and Samantha has continued to work as a victim advocate. Finally, going on hiking excursions and visiting the coast keeps us very busy explorers in this new place we call home. As you can see, I believe we have met those goals that we set out for ourselves.

To celebrate our one year anniversary, we took time to have dinner in Portland and watch a movie. One of the coolest aspects about Portland is the abundance of restaurants; we are so spoiled for choice here. And so far, each new place we have visited has been great; I don't think we have had one bad experience yet. The restaurant we decided to celebrate at was Bar Mingo in the Pearl District. I can say that it did not disappoint. The drinks and food was wonderful. And after dinner, we watched a delightful move called the Queen of Katwe, a movie about a chess master from Uganda. All in all, it was a pleasant and enjoyable experience.

Moving forward, we hope to continue exploring our new home and making new friends. We also hope to entertain more family and friends back in Missouri. Seriously, if any of you out there want to visit Portland, you are more than welcome to stay with us, we would love to host you. Looking forward to year two, I think we are in store for more surprises. While it was tough saying good bye to friends and family back in Missouri, I think it is safe to say that we have enjoyed our decision to take a chance and make a plunge in the Pacific Northwest.

While this picture was taken a month ago, I still wanted to add it. This is us getting ready to watch Boys 2 Men. 

Getting ready to enjoy Boys 2 Men.

Enjoying a hike at Beacon Rock State Park in Washington. 

 Bar Mingo in Portland, OR. 



Samantha enjoying a glass of wine at Bar Mingo

Samantha found here wall in Portland

At the movie theater getting ready to watch the Queen of Katwe.

Sept 3 - Sept 11

It's been a long while since I've posted something. The good thing about blogs, however, is that you can continue where you left off even if some considerable time has passed. Unfortunately, so much has happened since I last wrote about me and Samantha's adventure, it will be impossible for me to detail everything that has happened since my last post. However, I will try my best to summarize our new life in the Pacific Northwest.

In my last post, Samantha and I had just moved from Eugene, OR to Vancouver, WA for new employment opportunities. Since moving here back in February of 2016, I have worked as a Child and Family Therapist for a non-profit organization called the Children's Center. Last month, Samantha accepted employment as a Victim Advocate for the Clark County Prosecutor's Office. In all this time, we have had many amazing moments and fantastical adventures including hiking excursions, beach trips, concert viewings, floating trips, long walks in random places, road trips, etc. In a nutshell, it's been a beautiful ride and it is a shame I didn't chronicle it as well as I should have. I let myself become a little complacent, but I plan on remedying that with this new post. 

This last week was very special to me. My mother and her husband, Martin, came to visit me and Samantha between September 3 through September 11. For those of you who don't know my mom, she has never been anywhere outside the Midwest. So to have had her visit me in the Pacific Northwest was both a surprise as well as a treasure. I don't say that to be cheesy either. My mom has never had much vacation in her life, so for her to have made this trip was surprising because travelling long distances is something that she has simply never done and it was a treasure because I got to share this place that I love with someone very important to me. 

Below is just a sample of some of the things we did together. What I enjoyed most about our time together was the shared experiences we had hiking and exploring.  When you live so far away from your loved ones, you make the most of what time you have together. I also enjoyed that we made plans for future adventures the next time mom visits (which will hopefully be sooner rather than later). While it was sad to say goodbye, I can rest a little easier knowing that I finally got to share this place I love. 

Mom and I enjoying the scenery at Seaside, OR. 

Pretty view from Beacon Rock State Park. 

Mom showing some love to Kermit. 

Mom and I at the Oregon Zoo. 

Enjoying some good food at the Tin Shed Garden Cafe in Portland, OR. 

Enjoying a nice walk at the Forest Park in Portland, OR. 

Mom and Martin at Forest Park in Portland, OR 

Pretty shot at Beacon Rock State Park. 

Mom and Martin at Multnomah Falls Restaurant 

Mom and Martin in front of Multonmah Falls

Mom and I on the beach at Seaside, OR. 

Huge kites on the beach at Seaside, OR.

An up-close shot of huge kites on the beach at Seaside, OR.

One of my favorite picks of the beach at Seaside, OR.

Mom and Martin at the car show in Seaside, OR.

Enjoying some treats 

Mom and I (Seaside, OR)

Candid shot of me and Mom on the beach at Seaside, OR.

Mom and Martin on the beach at Seaside, OR.

Mom and Martin with the Pacific Ocean behind them

Mom, Martin, and I at the Nehalem Bay Winery.

Samantha and I in front of the Willamette River at downtown Portland, OR. 

Mom and Martin in front of the Willamette River at downtown Portland, OR. 

Mom near the top of Beacon Rock in Washington.

Mom and I at the top of Beacon Rock at Beacon Rock State Park in Washington 

Mom and Martin at the Oregon Zoo

Mom and Martin at the Oregon Zoo

Samantha and I at the Oregon Zoo

Moving to Portland (Vancouver actually)

It has been awhile since I have made a post in our blog. I apologize for that since so much has happened since our last post. Really, there is too much to say but I will cover the main points. First off, Samantha and I moved to Portland. Well, Vancouver really but its pretty much the same thing. Second, we moved to Portland because we got new jobs! While Eugene was treating us well, Samantha was offered an opportunity that was too good to pass up. She is once again a Victim Advocate! I am so proud of her, it's difficult for me to put into words how proud I am. I too also got a new job. My new job has me continuing to provide mental health services to children as a Child and Family Therapist. So far, I really like my job and the people I serve.

While we have lived in Portland for a month, we have spent much of our time getting situated into our new jobs and getting used to our new routine. That doesn't mean we haven't taken time to enjoy Portland. Since living here, we have gone to a cat bar (a bar with cats that keep you company), went to the art museum, got denied entrance into the exclusive Nike store in Beaverton, and enjoyed a craft beer brew fest. It is my hope that I can make bi-weekly posts like I did in Eugene. Sometimes life throws a curve ball, and you just have to embrace it.

Last day in Eugene, OR. 

The apartment before moving our stuff in.

Samantha's new ride

Columbia River 

Home sweet home

Rainbow in Vancouver. Good sign of things to come

Our new city!

Taking a stroll through Portland

Samantha telling a secret

Hanging out at Purringtons Cat Lounge in Portland, OR.

A cat at Purringtons Cat Lounge

Having a good time

Samantha and Kermit moving to Portland

Zamora wondering if this is the last move for awhile